Cullen Wines is a certified biodynamic, carbon neutral and naturally powered estate, with a philosophy summed up in three simple words: ‘Quality, Integrity and Sustainability’. Celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, it is one of the oldest and most awarded family wineries in Western Australia’s famous Margaret River region. First established in 1971 by Dr Kevin and Diana Cullen, the winery has built an outstanding reputation for biodynamic wines that receive excellent critical acclaim.

Diana and Kevin’s youngest daughter Vanya, who has worked at the winery since 1983, became Chief Winemaker in 1989 and Managing Director in 1999. She has worked tirelessly to develop the winery over this time, first introducing organic farming in 1998 and then, in 2004, seeing it classified as a fully certified biodynamic estate. In 2000, she was named the Qantas/The Wine Magazine Winemaker of the Year, becoming the first Western Australian, and the first woman, to do so. In 2019, celebrating 30 years at the helm, Vanya received double Winemaker of the Year honours at both the Australian Women in Wine Awards and the Halliday Wine Companion Awards. James Halliday, Australia’s best-known critic, said: “Her commitment to improving Cullen Wines while leaving the world a better place is reflected in the winery’s carbon-neutral and naturally powered status.”

All wines produced here are sourced from grapes grown on the Cullen and adjoining Mangan Vineyards in Wilyabrup, a sub-region of Margaret River. To promote this part of Margaret River, Vanya Cullen has decided to specify Wilyabrup on the Cullen label. Together with a handful of other premium wineries from the area, Cullen are applying for Wilyabrup to have its own Geographical Indication. Both Cullen sites in Wilyabrup are certified biodynamic and the wines are made with no additions of yeast, acid or tannins.

‘Diana Madeline’ pays tribute to Vanya’s mother, who lobbied to protect Tasmania’s Lake Pedder and the Margaret River coastline. She was also the very first woman to wear trousers in Busselton! Diana helped plant the first rows of Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling at Cullen Wines in 1971, later taking on winemaking responsibilities and actively implementing organic and biodynamic practices. According to Vanya, Diana had the ability to make anyone feel like the most important person in the world. The old vines grown for ‘Diana Madeline’ were planted at the estate in 1971 (Cabernet Sauvignon), 1976 (Merlot and Cabernet Franc) and 1978 (Malbec). 
 
The 2023 vintage was a low yielding year which resulted in outstanding grape quality, particularly the Cabernet Sauvignon. The growing conditions until December were cold and wet and due to the negative Indian dipole and La Niña effects finishing in December (2022). Cullen then had an unprecedented dry spell from December until the end of harvest in early April 2023.
 
The grapes for ‘Diana Madeline’ were harvested over seven individual picks. The final blend in 2023 comprises 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, with small amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot.

N.B. Due into stock soon - please email info@cellarselect.co.uk for eta or if you would like to buy inc duty and vat